Lakers, Whew

As predicted here earlier, the Lakers beat the Nuggets in 6 games. They definitely saved their best for last, as they did almost everything right last night. They out-shot (57% to 43% overall, 56% to 42% from 3-point range, 100% to 80% from the line), out-rebounded (38 to 27), out-blocked (4-3) the Nuggets and moved the ball better (28 to 14 assists). Even when Denver caught them in the second half and the crowd went nuts, the Lakers went into overdrive and put the game away.

Their opponent in the finals will be either Orlando (who holds a 3-2 lead in the series) or Cleveland (never count out LeBron James). Tonight's game 6 is in Orlando. Game 7, if necessary, will be Monday in Cleveland. The finals don't start until June 7, so both teams (whoever they are) will be rested.

The Lakers were 2-0 against Cleveland and 0-2 against Orlando in the regular season. Despite that, I would rather they face Orlando (sorry, Madison Avenue). They would have home court advantage. Also, Orlando beat them before Jameer Nelson got hurt and he gave the Lakers all kinds of trouble.

Go Lakers!